GRAND RAPIDS — Every day, the war against cancer is fought on two fronts.

Patients facing life-threatening diseases are looking for treatments that will help them today. At the same time, researchers are looking at the big picture: How do we cure cancer?

The latest developments on both fronts will be presented this week at Help on the Hill, a two-day event for cancer patients and their families. The Van Andel Research Institute, with help from local physicians, nurses, pharmacists, counselors and support programs, will provide information on the latest research into causes and treatments for cancer.

The event will also focus on the role clinical trials — and the patients who take part in them — play in developing new ways to fight the disease.

“It’s that picture of bringing research to the bedside that we’re so excited about,” said Dr. Jeff Trent, the institute’s president and research director.

IF YOU GO

Help on the Hill

Information about the latest cancer research and clinical trials for patients and their families.

When: Friday and Saturday

Where: Van Andel Research Institute

Cost: $10 per person. Financial assistance based on need is available.

“This is absolutely for the patients. With education in this area comes the power to make better-informed decisions as a patient.”

Studies show fewer than 5 percent of cancer patients take part in clinical trials, although 70 percent said they would if they had the opportunity, said Dr. John Bender, clinical operations director.

The institute is working to bring Phase 1 clinical trials to Grand Rapids within the next few months.

Local oncologists already conduct Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials. But the Phase 1 trials — when researchers first test a new medication on humans to make sure it is safe — is crucial to bringing cutting-edge treatments to the area, said Dr. Mark Campbell, an oncologist with Cancer and Hematology Centers of Western Michigan.

“If we do Phase 1 work, we are first in line to get Phase 2,” he said. “It would be a shame if, on the way to curing cancer for the world, Grand Rapids didn’t benefit first.”

FACT SHEET

Research phases

How "investigational" new drugs are tried out

By the time a new cancer medication gets the investigational designation from the FDA, it typically has gone through eight to 10 years of lab research. Human trials aim to these questions:

Phase 1: Is it safe? How much can you give to a human being without causing problems?

Phase 2: Does it work?

Phase 3: How well does it work compared to available medications?

The event aims to show how such research conducted at the institute affects everyday lives, Bender said.

“There’s this perception that the Van Andel Research Institute is this fortress on the hill — and how do you get in there?” he said.

For Help on the Hill, participants need only drive to the entrance, where valets will park their cars.

Oncology Nursing Society members will greet patients and their families and bring them inside to register and get information packets.

— A chance to ask questions of insurance representatives, pharmacists and oncologists

— Discussions about alternative therapies, faith, diet and lifestyle.

Support groups, including Gilda’s Club and Hope Lodge, will provide information about their
services, as well.

“Help in the Hill is to raise spirits,” Bender said. “Patients will get a chance to meet one another. Hopefully, people will make connections with fellow patients and family members. I think there will be a lot of friendships made.”

Campbell said he hopes patients come away feeling hopeful.

“I think they will get a sense of relief that there are all these people working on this problem,” he said.